Dudley Observations

Volume 8, No 9 - November 2009

Greetings,

There are still two wonderful Skywatch Lectures left in our fall series in the GE Theater at Proctors.  Enjoy a pre-lecture dinner special and support our education programs with a purchase from our gift shop in the lobby before you venture into "The Dark Side of the Universe."

While most of us are not looking forward to the cold weather, the end of daylight savings does bring the night sky to us an hour earlier. Come to a star party so you can really enjoy the long, dark nights!

Clear Skies,

Janie Schwab
Executive Director

Dudley Observatory Skywatch Lectures
November 10, December 8 in the GE Theatre at Proctors

Michael Turner - November 10, 2009- 7:30pm

The Dark Side of the Universe: Beyond Stars and the Starstuff we are Made of

The sky is filled with hundreds of billions of galaxies, all lit up by their stars. But, stars account for less than one percent of the material in the Universe, and galaxies are held together by a new form of matter -- dark matter -- that accounts for 1/3 of the stuff in the Universe. The other 2/3 exists as in an even more mysterious form -- dark energy -- and is causing the expansion of the Universe to speed up, rather than slow down.

Michael Turner's research focuses on the application of modern ideas in elementary particle theory to cosmology and astrophysics. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a leading proponent of the theory of the origin of the universe known as the "Cold Dark Matter Theory." Turner chaired the National Research Council's Committee on the Physics of the Universe, which in 2003 published Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos. The report assessed the scientific opportunities that occur on the frontiers of research at the intersection of physics and astronomy. Turner completed a two-year term as assistant director for mathematical and physical sciences at the National Science Foundation in 2006.

Tickets at Proctors Box Office:
$5 Students
$8 Members of Dudley Observatory & UCALL
$10 General  

Owen Gingerich - December 8, 2009
Kepler, Galileo, and the Birth of Modern Astronomy

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Pre-Lecture Dinner Specials

Two restaurants will be offering a $20.09 Prix Fixe dinner menu before each of the 2009 lectures.Thanks to Mazzone Management, the parent company, for arranging special astonomically themed menus on these evenings!

Angelo's Tavolo (the new restaurant at Glen Sanders Mansion )

Aperitivo

 

Star Parties

Outer Space and Our World

Friday, Nov 6, 2009 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
195 New Karner Road Albany, NY 12205
(518) 456-0655

This presentation will focus on outer space and how it affects us, from effects on nature to technological advances. In the future, space travel may offer vast changes to our way of life, which will also be discussed. After a 45 minute talk, we will go outside for viewing for through telescopes if the weather permits, or use a computer-generated program indoors to view various objects in space in the event of cloudy skies. This program is offered as part of an Eagle Scout leadership project. Registration Required Fee: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, Children under 5 free Please plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the start of the program to purchase your ticket. Tickets can also be purchased in advance of the program at the Discovery reception desk.

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A History of the Universe

Friday, Nov 13, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
195 New Karner Road Albany, NY 12205
(518) 456-0655

This presentation will focus on theories of how the universe started and the Earth came to be. We will also discuss how our solar system and planet is fit for life in comparison to many other worlds and how scientists are searching for life elsewhere. After a 45 minute talk, we will go outside for viewing through telescopes if weather permits, or use a computer-generated program to view the night sky in the event of cloudy skies. This program is offered as part of an Eagle Scout leadership project.

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Astronomy in the Park

Friday Nov 20, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Saratoga Spa State Park
Registration Required

Starting Them Young

SEFCU Community Expo (October 4)

Dudley Observatory was one of the many non-profits that took advantage of the SEFCU Community Expo to showcase our organizations. SEFCU provided food, music, and plenty of volunteers, and even a drawing for cash prizes for the participating non-profits (no grant proposals needed!!!).

 

 

Clear Skies,
Janie Schwab